Parents and coaches are important role models for students; they both provide necessary guidance to young adults in their development and in their understanding of the world in which they will live and work as adults. By understanding and respecting each other, parents and coaches, working together, can greatly benefit children. When your children become involved with the athletic program at The O’Neal School, you, as parents, have a right to understand the expectations that will be placed upon them. Clear communication between parents and coaches facilitates this understanding.
The following information is intended to be used as guidelines to establish an environment in which open communication and mutual respect are fostered.
Communication You Should Expect From Your Child’s Coach
1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Locations and times of all practices and contests
3. Explanation of athletic department training rules
4. Team requirements (i.e., special equipment, fees, off-season conditioning recommendations)
5. Procedures if your child is injured during participation
6. Explanation of excused and unexcused absences from practice/contests
7. Discipline that results in denying your child a participation opportunity
Communication Coaches Expect From Parents
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
3. Specific concerns regarding a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
As your children become involved in the athletic program at The O’Neal School, they
will experience some very rewarding moments. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way your children wish. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.
Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Coaches
1. The treatment of your child—mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior
It is very difficult to accept that your child may not play as much as you hoped. Coaches
are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe is best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues Not Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches
1. Playing time
2. Play calling
3. Other student activities
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These
conferences are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
Procedure To Follow When You Discuss A Concern With A Coach
1. Call to set an appointment
2. Call the coach’s extension or the Main Office at 910-692-6920 ext. 100
3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic office at 910-692-6920 ext. 124 or Mr. Dahl at 910-783-5965. A meeting will be set up for you.
4. Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice without setting up an appointment. These can be emotional times. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Did Not Provide A Satisfactory Resolution?
1. Call and set up an appointment with the athletic director, Steve Dahl, to discuss the situation.
2. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.
Since research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance of success in adulthood, these athletic programs have been established. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after school. We hope the information provided here helps to make your family’s experiences with The O’Neal School athletic program an enjoyable one.